Take part in the census on Sunday 21 March
Households across Camden are being urged to take part in Census 2021 on Sunday 21 March.
The census, run by the Office for National Statistics, is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every 10 years since 1801, apart from in 1941.
All households are required by law to take part in the census.
What are the benefits of the census?
Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central government to councils and health authorities to plan and fund public services.
Census information helps decide where billions of pounds of public funding is spent on services like transport, education and health. Emergency services across the UK use census statistics to allocate resources and plan services. Charities and voluntary organisations often use it as evidence to get funding. It also provides important information on population diversity, allowing organisations to know whether they are meeting their responsibilities and triggering action where necessary.
Census 2021 will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.
The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as new voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The information you provide to the Census is confidential and protected by law so no individual household or person can be identified. Government officials dealing with applications you have made, or payments or services you receive, cannot see the information you give.
Iain Bell, Deputy National Statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said: “The census provides a unique snapshot of our communities.
“It benefits everyone. Based on the information you give, it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GPs and dentist’s services.
“No-one should miss out. Everyone can complete online with a new search-as-you-type ability and paper forms for those who need them.”
How and when to complete the census questionnaire
You will receive a letter with a unique access code and instructions in early March.
You should complete your questionnaire as soon as you receive your letter but remember that the information you provide needs to be about who usually lives in the household on Census Day on Sunday 21 March – adults and children, including babies.
The census will mostly be completed online. However, paper questionnaires will still be available upon request, and there will be support for anyone who needs help to complete their questionnaire
You can get support with completing your census questionnaire, including requesting a paper copy, by visiting census.gov.uk or by calling the Census 2021 Contact Centre on 0800 141 2021.
The website includes information translated into different languages available in accessible formats, and there is also a free language helpline available on 0800 587 2021.